The History and Antiquities of London Volume 1

Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1813 edition. Excerpt: ...and their dinner; and the keeper that " brought it _was allowed, during his abode " there, for his service, meate, drinke, and " lodging, and five shillings in money at his " going away, together with alofe of breade " having the picture of St. Paul upon it_. The boys of St. Paul's were famous for acting of the mysteries or holy plays, and even regular dramas. They often had the honor of performing before our monarchs. Their preparations were expensive.; so that they petitioned Richard II. to prohibit some ignorant and unexperienced persons from acting the History of the Old Testament, to the great pre nnamarrc MYSTERIES. 14:9' judice of the clergy of the church. They had their barne-bishop, or child-bishop, who assumed the state and attire of a prelate. Ludicrous as this holy counterfeit was, dean Colet expressly orders that his scholars shall, " every " Childermas daye, come to Raulis churche, " and heare the chylde _bishop's sermon, and " after he at the hygh masse, and each of them " offer a penny to the chylde bishop; and with " them, themaistersandsurveyorsofth.escole." This character was very common in many of the churches in France, under the name of L'eve'que des fov0, or Arclzeveque ales fouar. They were dressed-in the pontifical habits, and sung such indecent songs, danced and committed such horrible profanations, even before the altar, that at length they were suppressed by an arret of parliament--, at the request of the dean and chapter at Rheims. The holiness of this place did not prevent thieves and profligates of all"idenominations lurking within the precincts, and committing, under favor of the night, murders and...show more